The Bobby Scheme is funded in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight through the activities of The Blue Lamp Trust, a charity, which provides practical driving assessments for taxi licence applicants and existing taxi drivers.

Mr Rutt, who recently became a trustee of The Blue Lamp Trust, said: “I initially became aware of the Trust after winning some driver training with them some years ago. I learned about the vital work they do, raising money to help vulnerable and elderly people feel safe in their own homes via The Bobby Scheme and keeping Hampshire’s roads safe via their various road safety and eco driving courses.”

Snows is a family company that has been operating in Southern England for over half a century. The group, and Toyota GB, also support The Blue Lamp Trust through donations, raffle prizes and free of charge vehicles used for driver training, and The Bobby Scheme.

The Blue Lamp Trust’s operations manager, David Watkins, said: “The Blue Lamp Trust has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Snows and Toyota GB and we’re delighted that they choose to keep supporting our work through The Bobby Scheme.

“With this donation, we’ll fit carbon monoxide detectors in homes of some of the most vulnerable people in the county where they will save lives.”

Supported by the emergency services and local authorities, The Bobby Scheme provides a free service to elderly and vulnerable people, particularly victims of burglary and domestic violence, by promoting crime prevention and fire safety initiatives.

This year the Bobby Scheme celebrates 20 years of service. During that time, its trained fitters, who are all vetted by Hampshire police, uniformed and carry ID cards, have visited more than 16,500 homes.

They carry out full home crime-prevention surveys, give reassurance and offer specific crime-prevention advice to improve safety. They also fit locks, spy-holes, door chains and smoke alarms where needed.

Anyone who believes they fit the criteria for a visit by a Bobby Scheme mobile team can contact bobby@bluelamptrust.org.uk or phone 0300 777 0157.